How to Fix an Electric Pencil Sharpener

It is easy to repair an electric sharpener.

An electric pencil sharpener is a vital tool for everyone from math students to sketch artists, and we take for granted that it will work correctly every time we use it. But over time, the blades can become dull or something may jam the motor. Fortunately, most electric pencil sharpeners are easy to troubleshoot and repair.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Safety goggles
• Pressurized air can
• File
• Electric oil

Instructions

Disassemble Pencil Sharpener

1. Unplug the pencil sharpener from the power outlet. Do not manipulate a sharpener that is still connected to a power source --- doing so will result in an electric shock.

2. Turn the pencil sharpener upside down and locate the screws that hold the device together. Remove the screws with a screwdriver. Place the screws in a safe place. Examine the motor blades of the sharpener. Sometimes a piece of a pencil will break inside, rendering the device unusable.

3. Remove the cover and base of the pencil sharpener. Put on a pair of safety goggles and use a pressurized air can to clean any debris or pencil shavings in and around the motor. Reassemble the pencil sharpener.

Sharpening and Lubricating

1. Test the sharpness of the blades. If the blades do not feel sharp, then the problem with the pencil sharpener is dull blades. Sharp blades will ensure that pencils are sharpened efficiently.

2. File the blades using a small file. It can take up to half an hour to sharpen the blades until they work as good as new. If this is too much trouble, consider buying a new sharpener.

3. Lubricate the sharpener's motor and blades with a dab of oil. The oil will ensure that the motor runs smoothly. Lubricating the pencil sharpener should be done once a year.

References

• X-ACTO: How To Fix a Jammed Pencil Sharpener
• Repair FAQ: Electric Pencil Sharpener